Open-Face Pear Pie
A delightful open-face pear pie featuring ripe Bartlett pears in a rich custard filling, perfect for a cozy dessert or brunch, appealing to fruit and pastry lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the pie shell.
- Peel, core, and slice the pears, then toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and combine with sugar, flour, vanilla, salt, and mace to make the filling.
- Add eggs to the mixture and whisk until smooth.
- Arrange pear slices in the unbaked pie shell.
- Pour the custard mixture over the pears in the shell.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the filling is set and golden, about 45 minutes.
- Let cool slightly before serving, optionally topped with whipped cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using ripe Bartlett or Anjou pears, which are sweet and juicy. If you prefer a slight crunch, Bosc pears are also great. You can substitute the ground mace with nutmeg if needed. To keep the filling from being too sweet, reduce the sugar slightly based on the sweetness of the pears. A pinch of cinnamon can also enhance the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This open-face pear pie is delightful when served warm with a dollop of whipped cream on top. For a more indulgent experience, pair it with vanilla ice cream or serve alongside a slice of Pumpkin Walnut Bread Pudding With Kentucky Bourbon Sauce for a comforting dessert spread. A light salad like Tillie'S Salad can also complement the richness of the pie.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or place the entire pie in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Open-Face Pear Pie contains roughly 328 calories, with 6g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (26% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other fruits instead of pears?
Yes, you can substitute pears with apples or peaches for a different flavor. Just ensure the fruit is ripe and sweet, adjusting the sugar content in the filling accordingly. Apples will provide a firmer texture, while peaches will offer a juicy, sweet alternative.
What can I do if the pie crust gets too brown?
If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the filling continues to bake. This technique allows the custard to set without over-baking the crust.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pie for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When ready to bake, there's no need to thaw; just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it cooks thoroughly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).